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The All Blacks mounded yet another classical last-minute win last night, this time over old foes the Wallabies, to increase the heartache for Australian rugby union fans.
The Wallabies were at their best and dominated major parts of the game. They played magnificent and there should be no questions about their efforts. This All Black team just knows how to win, at all costs.
Down to 14 men at one point, the All Blacks actually gained an advantage and out scored the Wallabies during the 10-minute sin-binning of lock Patrick Tuipulotu. Then it all came down to a magical team try, finished by Malakai Fekitoa, and a clutch kick from backup fly half, Colin Slade.
With that game past us, many questions came out of it. None more so then who would get selected for the end of year tour, who deserved selection and what is truly our best starting side.
Personally, I think the squad speaks for itself. There have been some great revelations this year. The coaching staff have done a great job in experimenting with different young players, and also players who have been there before. With the return of Dan Carter and Sonny Bill Williams (who are both most likely to be chosen), who misses out on selection due to these two coming in?
Revelations in the forward pack this year have been immense, with Nathan Harris showing he has the talent to possibly be a top backup hooker for next year and Joe Moody, who had an impressive first 40 against the Springboks last week. Jeremy Thrush has definitely proved himself, as too has the heir to the number seven jersey, Sam Cane.
In the backs, finding a strong reliable backup halfback was put on half with Tawera Kerr-Barlow going down for the remainder of the year, and TJ Perenara showing subpar form. With every other position, the All Blacks have considerable depth, but I do see our hero from last night, Slade, falling out to Dan Carter for the end of year tour.
With all this, my squad to be chosen would have to look like this.
Props
Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Joe Moody, Owen Franks and Wyatt Crockett
Hookers
Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu and Nathan Harris
Locks
Brodie Retallick, Jeremy Thrush, Patrick Tuipulotu and Sam Whitelock
Loose Forwards
Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Liam Messam, Richie McCaw(c), Sam Cane and Steven Luatua
Halfbacks
Aaron Smith, Augustine Pulu and TJ Perenara
Five-eighths
Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett and Daniel Carter
Centres
Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Ryan Crotty and Sonny Bill Williams
Outside Backs
Ben Smith, Charles Piutau, Cory Jane, Israel Dagg and Julian Savea
I think this 33-man squad is more than capable of doing what is necessary for the end of year tour in America and then Europe. This squad will cover many options needed, and of course, injuries.
Now, to a more pressing question. Who and what is our best starting side?
This question is hugely debatable. Many people will have their opinions and own preferences, but what we want as All Black fans, is the best team on the field, period. I have seen too many bad selections in the last month or so in regards to our top 22 for game day. In my own blunt opinion, there are numerous changes that I think must occur.
Cory Jane must lose his spot to the extremely talented and versatile Charles Piutau. The safer option of Ryan Crotty, over the game breaking Malakai Fekitoa. Obvious choice, would be Ma’a Nonu, if he were fit.
And why is our best fullback on the right wing? Ben Smith has proven he is the better option, so why does Steve Hansen keep persisting with Dagg? People say that Dagg has a better clearing boot, but I rarely saw him kick on the weekend. What good does a boot do to us, if he doesn’t use it? Ben Smith to fullback.
Until I see anything to change my mind, Aaron Cruden is a much better starter then Beauden. He steadies the ship well and allows Beauden to come on to influence the game. His combination with Aaron Smith also gives him the nod over Beaudie. Cruden to start (bar him staying off the drink).
Meanwhile the forward pack speaks for themselves, minus Tony Woodcock, who I would have starting if he were fit.
With that in mind, I think our top 22 for game day at the end of year tour should be as follows.
1. Wyatt Crockett 2. Dane Coles 3. Owen Franks 4. Brodie Retallick 5. Sam Whitelock 6. Jerome Kaino 7. Richie McCaw (C) 8. Kieran Read 9. Aaron Smith 10. Aaron Cruden 11. Julian Savea 12. Ryan Crotty 13. Conrad Smith 14. Charles Piutau 15. Ben Smith
16. Keven Mealamu 17. Ben Franks 18. Charlie Faumuina 19. Jeremy Thrush 20. Sam Cane 21. TJ Perenara 22. Beauden Barrett 23. Sonny Bill Williams
It’s a tough job being a selector. The pressure on choosing the most consistently based team would be a hard ask, but I think due to talent, and obvious form with majority of the players, this would be our best 22.
Who would you pick? Disagree with any of my choices? Share your thoughts Roarers.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.